CHAPTER TWO

ELECTROSTATIC POTENTIAL AND CAPACITANCE

The electric field at any point around a charge can be described with the help
of electric field E and the electric potential V.
Electrostatic potential Energy

Consider a positive charge Q placed at the point B. Let a small positive test
charge q is brought from A to B. ( Here the test charge q should be very small
and external force is just enough to overcome the electrostatic repulsive force)
Therefore, the net acceleration on the test charge will be zero.
𝐵
Work done by the external force is W = ∫𝐴 𝐹 . 𝑑𝑟
This workdone against the electrostatic force is stored as potential energy.
Since workdone by electrostatic field depends only on initial and final position,
it does not depend on the path chosen. For a charge distribution of finite
extent, we choose zero electrostatic potential energy at infinity.
Electrostatic potential energy at a point is defined as the workdone by an
external force in bringing a charge q from infinity to that point without any
acceleration.
Electrostatic potential difference
Electrostatic potential difference between two points A and B in an
electrostatic field is defined as the amount of workdone in carrying unit
positive charge without acceleration form A to B against electrostatic force.
𝑊𝐴𝐵
∆𝑉 = 𝑞
SI unit is volt (V) 1V = 1 J/C
Electrostatic potential (V)
Electrostatic potential at any point in the electrostatic field is defined as the
workdone to carry a unit positive charge from infinity to that point.
𝑊
Electric potential, V = 𝑞
SI unit is Volt (V)
Electrostatic potential is a scalar quantity.
One volt : Electric potential at a point is one volt if one joule of work is done in
carrying 1C charge from infinity to that point.

1
Electric potential due to a point charge

Consider a point charge kept at a point O. let P be a point at a distance r from

O.
From definition electrostatic potential at P is the amount of work done in
carrying a unit positive charge from infinity to a point P.
Consider a unit positive charge kept at point A where OA = x
Electrostatic force on the unit charge placed at A
1 𝑞
F = 4𝜋𝜀 along OA
0 𝑥2
Small amount of work done in moving unit positive charge from A to B where
AB = dx
Work done dW = F. dx = F dx cos 180
1 𝑞
dW = - 𝑑𝑥
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑥 2
Total work done in moving unit positive charge from infinity to p
𝑟 1 𝑞
W = ∫∞ − 4𝜋𝜖 dx
0𝑥2
𝑞 𝑟 1
= − ∫∞ 𝑥 2 𝑑𝑥
4𝜋𝜀0
𝑞 1
= 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟
1 𝑞
= 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟
By definition this is the electrostatic potential at P due to charge q
1 𝑞
V= 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟
When q is positive V is positive
When q is negative V is negative
When r is infinity V is Zero
Graph showing the variation of electrostatic potential with distance

2
ELECTRIC POTENTIAL DUE TO DIPOLE
Consider an electric dipole consists of two equal and opposite charges – q at A
and + q at B separated by a distance 2a. Let O be the centre of the dipole.

To calculate the electric potential at any point P.

Let AP = r1 BP = r2
Draw BD ⊥ OP and AC ⊥ PC
From the figure OC = a Cos θ and OD = a Cos θ
Electric potential at P due to dipole
1 𝑞 1 𝑞
V=− + 4𝜋𝜀
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟1 0 𝑟2

𝑞 1 1
V = 4𝜋𝜀 [ 𝑟 - 𝑟 ]
0 2 1

From the figure r1 = AP ≈ PC = OP+ OC = r + a Cosθ

Similarly, r2 = BP ≈ PD = OP- OD = r- a Cosθ
𝑞 1 1
V = 4𝜋𝜀 [ - ]
0 𝑟−𝑎𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜃 𝑟+𝑎𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜃

𝑞 𝑟+𝑎𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜃−𝑟+𝑎𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜃
V= [ ]
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟 2 −𝑎2 𝐶𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃

𝑞 2𝑎𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜃
V = 4𝜋𝜀 [ 𝑟 2 −𝑎2 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2𝜃]
0

1 2𝑞𝑎𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜃
V= [ ]
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟 2 −𝑎2 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃

1 𝑃𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜃
= 4𝜋𝜀 [ 𝑟 2 −𝑎2 𝑐𝑜𝑠 2 𝜃]
0

If a is small a2Cos2θ can be neglected

1 𝑃𝐶𝑜𝑠𝜃
V= 4𝜋𝜀 [ ]
0 𝑟2

1 𝑃⃗.𝑟̂
V= [ ]
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟2

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On the dipole axis θ = 0
1 𝑝
V= 4𝜋𝜀
0 𝑟2
On the dipole axis when θ = 180
1 𝑝
V= − 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟 2
On the equatorial plane when θ = 90
V=0
ELECTRIC POTENTIAL DUE TO A SYSTEM OF CHARGES
Consider a system of charges q1. q2, q3, with position vectors r1, r2, r3, relative
to some origin.

The potential V1 at P due to the charge q1

1 𝑞1
V1 = 4𝜋𝜀
0 𝑟1𝑝

Similarly
1 𝑞2
V2 = 4𝜋𝜀
0 𝑟2𝑝

Using superposition principle

The total potential at P is
V = V1 + V2 + ….
1 𝑞1 1 𝑞2
V = 4𝜋𝜀 + 4𝜋𝜀 + ---
0 𝑟1𝑝 0 𝑟2𝑝

ELECTRIC POTENTIAL DUE TO A SPHERICAL SHELL

Consider a uniformly charged spherical shell of radius R and carrying a charge
q.
(i) The potential at a point p outside the shell

4
Uniformly charged spherical shell behaves as if the entire charge is
concentrated at the centre.
Hence, the electric potential at an outside point will be same as that of a point
charge q.
1 𝑞
V= 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟

(ii) Potential at a point on the surface of the shell.

Here r = R
Hence
1 𝑞
V=
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑅

(iii) Potential at a point inside the shell.

The electric field inside the shell is zero. Hence the electric potential due
to a uniformly charged spherical shell is constant everywhere inside the
shell and its value is equal to that on the surface.
1 𝑞
V= 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑅

RELATION BETWEEN ELECTRIC FIELD AND POTENTIAL

Consider two points A and B separated by a distance dr.

5
Let these two points be so close to each other that the electric field E is
uniform over the distance dr.
Let dV be the potential between A and B
dV = work done to move unit positive charge from B to A

𝐹 . ⃗⃗⃗⃗
dV = ⃗⃗⃗ 𝑑𝑟 = - F dr = -E dr
negative sign shows that work done is against electrostatic force.
𝑑𝑉
E = - 𝑑𝑟
𝑑𝑉
The ratio 𝑑𝑟 is the change of potential with distance and is known as potential
gradient. Thus, electric field is the negative gradient of potential.
EQUIPOTENTIAL SURFACES
Any surface that has the same electric potential at every point on it is called an
equipotential surface.
Important properties of equipotential surfaces
• The work done in moving a test charge from one point to another on
an equipotential surface is zero.
Let dl be the small distance over an equipotential surface through which
a unit positive charge is moved.
Work done dW = 𝐸⃗ . ⃗⃗⃗
𝑑𝑙 = Edl Cosθ = 0
Which means E and dl are perpendicular
Electric field intensity is always perpendicular to the equipotential
surface.

• Electric field intensity ⃗𝑬

⃗ is always perpendicular to the equipotential
surface.

6
 If the electric field were not normal, it would have a non-zero
component along the surface. So, to move a charge through the surface
a work would have to be done.
But no work is required to move a test charge on the equipotential
surface. Hence, the electric field must be normal to the equipotential
surface.
1 𝑞
• For a single point charge q, V = 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑅
Hence, V is constant when R is constant. Hence equipotential surfaces
of a single point charge are concentric spherical surfaces with charge at
the center.
• In the region of strong electric field equipotential surfaces are close
together and in the region of weak electric field equipotential surfaces
are far apart.
• No two equipotential surfaces can intersect each other.
Shapes of equipotential surfaces
Point positive charge and Point negative charge

Uniform electric field

For similar positive charge

For electric dipole

7
Electric potential energy of a system of charges
Electric potential energy of a system of charges is the total amount of
work done in bringing the various charges to their respective positions from
infinitely large mutual separation.
Derive electrostatic potential energy of a system of two-point charges.
Consider two-point charges q1 is held at a point P1 with position vector r1 in
space. Another point charge q2 is at infinite distance from q1. This charge is
brought to the position P2.

Electrostatic potential at P2 due to charge q1

1 𝑞1
V= 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟12
Where r12 is the distance between two points
From definition
Work done in carrying charge q2 from infinity to p2
W = potential at P2 × charge
1 𝑞1
W= × q2
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟12
This work done is stored in the system of two-point charges in the form of
electrostatic potential energy.
1 𝑞1 𝑞2
U= 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟12
Electric potential energy of a system of three-point charges
It is equal to the total amount of work done in assembling all the three charges
to their respective positions from infinity.
Consider a system of three charges q1 q2 and q3

8
In bringing q1 from infinity to p1 no work is done
W1 = 0
To bring q2 from infinity to P2
W2 = potential due to q1 × q2
1 𝑞1 𝑞2
= 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟12
Similarly, in bring q3 from infinity to p3 work has to be done against the
electrostatic force of q1 and q2
W3 = [potential due to q1 and q2] q3
1 𝑞1 1 𝑞2
W3 = [ + ] q3
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟13 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟23
1 𝑞1 𝑞3 1 𝑞2 𝑞3
+
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟13 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟23
Total potential energy
1 𝑞1 𝑞2 1 𝑞1 𝑞3 1 𝑞2 𝑞3
U= + +
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟12 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟13 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟23

ELECTRIC POTENTIAL ENERGY OF CHARGES IN AN EXTERNAL ELECTRIC FIELD

Let V( 𝑟 ) be the external electric potential at any point P with position vector
𝑟 then
Work done in bringing a charge from infinity to the point P is equal to V( 𝑟 ) q
This work done is stored as electrostatic potential energy.
U = V( 𝑟 ) × q
POTENTIAL ENERGY OF A SYSTEM OF TWO POINT CHARGES IN AN EXTERNAL
ELECTRIC FIELD
Consider two-point charges q1 and q2 and A and B be points with position
vectors ⃗⃗⃗ 𝑟2 in an external electric field 𝐸⃗ 𝑎𝑛𝑑 V (𝑟⃗⃗⃗1 ) and V (𝑟⃗⃗⃗2 ) be the
𝑟1 , ⃗⃗⃗
potential at points A and B.

Work done in bringing q1 from infinity to A

W1 = q1 × V (𝑟⃗⃗⃗1 )
𝑟1 due to the electric field 𝐸⃗
Where V (𝑟⃗⃗⃗1 ) be the potential at ⃗⃗⃗
Similarly work done in bringing q2 from infinity to ⃗⃗⃗ 𝑟2
W2= q2 × V (𝑟⃗⃗⃗2 ) + Electric potential at ⃗⃗⃗
𝑟2 due to q1 × charge

9
(While bringing q2 from infinity to ⃗⃗⃗
𝑟2 work has to be done against the field of q1
)
1 𝑞1
W2 = q2 × V (𝑟⃗⃗⃗2 ) + × q2
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟12
Total potential energy U equals total work done
U = Total work done
= W 1 + W2
1 𝑞1 𝑞2
U = q1 × V (𝑟⃗⃗⃗1 ) + q2 × V (𝑟⃗⃗⃗2 ) +
4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟12
Units of electrostatic potential energy
SI unit of potential energy is joule
One joule is the energy stored in moving a charge of 1C through a potential
difference of 1V.
Another unit is electron volt eV
1eV is the kinetic energy lost or gained by an electron in moving through a
potential difference of one Volt.
1eV =1.6 × 10 -19J
1milli eV = 1meV = 10-3 eV = 10-3 × 1.6 × 10 -19J
ELECTRIC POTENTIAL ENERGY OF A DIPOLE IN A UNIFORM ELECTRIC FIELD

Consider an electric dipole placed in a uniform electric field 𝐸⃗ with its dipole
moment inclined at an angle θ with the direction of the field.
Two equal and opposite force acts on its two ends. These two forces form a
couple.

The torque exerted by the couple

Torque τ = qE 2a Sin θ = PE Sin θ
If the dipole is rotated through a small angle dθ against the torque, then the
Work done dW = τ dθ = PE Sin θ dθ
Total work done in rotating the dipole from its orientation making and angle 𝜃1
with the direction of the field to and angle 𝜃2

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 𝜃
W = ∫𝜃 2 𝑃𝐸 𝑆𝑖𝑛 𝜃 𝑑𝜃
1
W = - PE (Cos 𝜃2 – Cos 𝜃1 )
W = PE (Cos 𝜃1 – Cos 𝜃2 )
This work done is stored as gravitational potential energy.
U = PE (Cos 𝜃1 – Cos 𝜃2 )
If initially the dipole is oriented perpendicular to the direction of the field ( 𝜃1 =
90) and then brought to some orientation making an angle θ with the field
(𝜃2 = θ) the
Potential energy U = PE (Cos 90 – Cos 𝜃)
= - PE Cos θ
⃗⃗⃗ . 𝐸⃗
U = −𝑃
Stable and unstable equilibrium
(i) Position of stable equilibrium
At θ = 0 U = - PE
Potential energy is minimum when the dipole is held parallel to the
external field.
(ii) Position of unstable equilibrium
At θ = 180 U = PE
That is, when the dipole is held antiparallel to the field.
(iii) Position of zero energy
When θ = 90 U = 0
Potential energy is zero when it is held perpendicular to the field. Here the
work done on charge q by external agent is equal and opposite to the work
done on the charge -q. therefore, the net work done will be zero.
IMPORTANT RESULTS REGARDING ELECTROSTATICS OF CONDUCTOR
(i) Inside the conductor, electrostatic field is zero

11
 When a conductor is placed in an external electric field, E ext the free
electrons in the conductor begins to move in the direction opposite to
external field.
Therefore, the negative charges are induced on the left end and positive
charges are induced in the right end. This process continues till the
induced field set up becomes equal and opposite to external field
Net electric field ⃗⃗⃗
𝐸 = ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐸𝑒𝑥𝑡 - 𝐸 ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑖𝑛𝑑 = 0
(i) At the surface of a charged conductor, electrostatic field must be
normal to the surface at every point.

If the electric field is not normal to the

surface, then it will have a component tangential to the surface which will
immediately cause the flow of charges, producing surface currents. But no
such currents can exist under static conditions. Hence electric field is
normal to the surface of the conductor.
(ii) The net charge in the interior of a conductor is zero and any
excess charge resides at its surface.

Consider a conductor carrying a charge q with no current flowing in it.

Consider a gaussian surface just inside the conductor.
As electric field is zero at all points inside the conductor

12
 𝑞
ɸ = ∫ 𝐸⃗ . ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝑑𝑆 = ∈ = 0
0
charge q = 0
hence there can be no excess charge in the interior of the conductor.
(iii) Potential is constant within and on the surface of a conductor
𝑑𝑉
Electric field at any point E = - 𝑑𝑟
Since inside the conductor E =0
𝑑𝑉
=0
𝑑𝑟
V = constant
Hence electric potential is constant throughout the volume of a
conductor and has the same value on its surface. Thus, the surface of a
conductor is an equipotential surface.
𝜎
(iv) Electric field at the surface o f a charged conductor is ∈ 𝑛̂
0

Consider a charged conductor of irregular shape. Let σ be the surface

charge density at any point of its surface. To determine E at this point
we choose a small cylinder as the gaussian surface at this point. The
cylinder lies partially inside and partially outside the conductor.
The cross-sectional area ∆𝑆 and height is negligible.
Electric field inside the conductor = 0
The contribution to the total flux through the cylinder comes only from
its outer cross section.
ɸ = 𝐸⃗ . ⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗
∆𝑆
charge enclosed by the surface q = σ ∆S
By Gauss theorem
𝑞
ɸ=∈
0
⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗⃗ = σ ∆S
𝐸⃗ . ∆𝑆 ∈0
𝜎
𝐸=
∈0
𝜎
⃗⃗⃗
𝐸 = ∈ 𝑛̂
0
(v) Electrostatic shielding
The electrostatic shielding is based upon the principle that electric field
inside a conducting enclosure is zero.
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 Consider a conductor with a cavity inside it

Suppose some charge is given to the conductor. The charge spreads

uniformly and remains on the surface of the conductor. Inside the cavity
the electric field is zero. This vanishing of electric field inside the cavity
is called electrostatic shielding.
Applications of electrostatic shielding
1. In a thunderstorm accompanied by lightning it is safe to sit inside a
car. The metallic body of the car becomes an electrostatic shielding
from lightning.
2. Sensitive components of electronic devices are protected or shielded
from external electric disturbances by placing metal shields around
them.
CAPACITANCE
The electrical capacitance of a conductor is the measure of its ability to hold
electric charge. If we increase the charge on a conductor, its potential also
increases.
Q𝛼V
Q = CV
The proportionality constant C is called the capacitance of the conductor.
Thus,
𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑔𝑒
Capacitance C =
𝑃𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑎𝑙
Capacitance of a conductor can be defined as the charge required to increase
the potential of the conductor by unit amount.
SI unit of Capacitance is farad
If the addition of 1C of charge increases its potential by 1V then the
capacitance of the conductor is said to be 1F.
Factors on which capacitance of a conductor depends:
1. Size and shape of conductor.
2. Nature of the medium.
3. Presence of other conductors in its neighborhood.
4. Separation of the system of two conductors.
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Capacitor
A capacitor is an arrangement of two conductors separated by an insulating
medium.
Pictorial representation of a capacitor

Although both batteries and capacitors perform the same function of

storing energy, the main difference between them lies in the way they
perform this task. Battery store and distribute energy linearly while
capacitors store and distribute energy in short bursts.
Capacitance of a spherical conductor
Let a charge q is given to a spherical conductor of radius r placed in air.

Potential at any point of the surface of the conductor

1 𝑞
V= 4𝜋𝜀0 𝑟
We have
𝑞
C= = 4𝜋 ∈0 r
𝑉
Capacitance of the conductor is proportional to radius.
Parallel plate capacitor
Parallel plate capacitor consists of two large parallel conducting plates,
separated by a small distance.
Principle of parallel plate capacitor

15
Consider a metal plate A which is given positive charge till its potential
becomes maximum. Place a conductor B near A. Due to electrostatic
induction negative charge is induced on the surface of B which is facing A
and a positive charge is induced on the other surface.
Now connect B to earth as shown.

The induced positive charge flows to earth but induced negative charge
stays on it, since it is bound to positive charge on A. Due to the induced
negative charge on B the potential on A is greatly reduced. Thus, a large
amount of charge can be given to A to raise it to maximum potential.
Thus, capacitance of an insulated conductor can be increased considerably
by bringing it near to an uncharged earthed conductor. This is the principle
of capacitor.
Derive an expression for the capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor.
Let a charge Q is given to one plate and -Q is given to other plate. The
charge will be distributed uniformly over the surface.

Since d <<A, we can use the result of electric field by an infinite plane sheet.
Electric field in two outer regions will be zero and the electric field in the
𝝈
middle region E =
∈𝟎
𝑸
Where σ = 𝑨

16
 Substituting
𝑸
Electric field E = 𝑨∈
𝟎
Direction of the electric field will be from positive plate to negative plate.
For uniform electric field we can write
Potential difference between the plates
𝑸𝒅
V = Ed = 𝑨∈
𝟎
The capacitance of the parallel plate capacitor
𝒒 𝑨∈𝟎
C=𝑽 = 𝒅

EFFECT OF DIELETRICS ON CAPACITANCE

A dielectric is a substance which does not allow the flow of charges through it,
but permits them to exert electrostatic forces on one another through it.
Example: Glass, wax, water, air, wood, rubber, stone, plastic etc.
POLAR DIELECTRICS
A molecule in which centre of mass of positive charges does not coincide with
the centre of mass of negative charges is called a polar molecule. The
dielectrics made up of polar molecules are called polar dielectrics. It has a
permanent dipole moment.
Eg. H2O, HCl, NH3, CO, etc.
NON-POLAR DIELECTRICS
A molecule in which the centre of mass of positive charge coincides with the
centre of mass of negative charge is called a non-polar molecule. The
dielectrics consisting of non-polar molecule is called non polar dielectrics.
They do not have dipole moment.
Eg: H2, N2. O2, CO2, etc.
POLARISATION OF DIELECTRIC IN AN EXTERNAL ELECTRIC FIELD
In polar molecules, in the absence of field, the different dipoles are randomly
oriented, so that the net dipole moment is zero. When an external field is
applied the individual dipoles tend to align in the direction of field resulting in
net dipole moment.

17
When non polar molecules are subjected to external field, the centre of mass
of positive and negative charges in the molecules get displaced in opposite
direction and as a result induces some net dipole moment in the direction of
the field.
Hence both polar and non-polar dielectrics develop a net dipole moment in the
presence of external field. This fact is known as polarization of dielectric.
The polarization is defined as the dipole moment per unit volume. The
direction of polarization is same as external field.
CAPACITANCE OF A PARALLEL PLATE CAPACITOR WITH A DIELECTRIC SLAB IN
BETWEEN
𝑨∈𝟎
The capacitance of a parallel plate capacitor, C o = 𝒅
𝑸
Uniform electric field set up between the capacitor plates, E o = 𝑨∈
𝟎

Let a dielectric slab of thickness t (t<d) is placed in between the plates.

The electric field Eo polarizes the dielectric. This induces a negative charge on
the top surface and a positive charge at the bottom. This induced charge set
up an electric field Ep inside the dielectric in the opposite direction.
The net electric field inside the dielectric E = Eo- Ep
𝐸⃗0
We have dielectric constant k = 𝐸⃗ ⃗𝑝
0− 𝐸
𝐸𝑜
Eo- Ep = E = 𝑘
Hence the potential
V = Eo (d-t) + Et
𝐸𝑜
V= Eo (d-t) + 𝑡
𝑘
𝑡
V = Eo(d - t + )
𝑘

18
 𝑸 𝑡
V = 𝑨∈ ( d - t + 𝑘 )
𝟎

𝑞
The capacitance C =
𝑉
𝑨∈𝟎
Capacitance C = 𝑡
d−t+𝑘
When we introduce a dielectric of thickness t = d,
Then,
𝑨∈𝟎 𝒌
Capacitance, C = = kCo
𝑑
Capacitance increases on introducing dielectric in between.

When Capacitor charged and battery kept connected across the capacitor

19
 When Capacitor charged and battery kept connected
Q = kQo

V = Vo
E = Eo
C= kCo
U = kUo
Explain how the polarization of dielectric reduces the electric field inside the
dielectric.
Consider a dielectric slab placed in a uniform electric field E 0

Its molecular dipoles align in the direction of the field. This results in the
polarization of the dielectric. A net negative charge is induced on the left side
and a positive on the right side. This results in an induced electric field E p in
the direction opposite to external field.
The resultant field E in the dielectric E = E0 - Ep
Dielectric constant is defined as ratio of original field to the reduced field in
the dielectric.
𝐸⃗0
K = 𝐸⃗ ⃗𝑝
0− 𝐸

Electric susceptibility
If the field E is not large, then the polarization is proportional to the resultant
electric field E existing in the dielectric.
Polarization α Electric field
𝑃⃗ α⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐸
𝑃⃗ = ꭓe⃗⃗⃗⃗
𝐸

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Where ꭓe is known as electric susceptibility.
Dielectric strength
The maximum electric field that can exist in a dielectric without causing the
breakdown of its insulating property is called dielectric strength.
COMBINATION OF CAPACITORS
(I) Capacitors connected in series
Let Capacitors of capacitances C1, C2, C3 are connected in series as shown in
the figure.
Let V be the potential difference applied across the combination.

Let Q be charge and V1, V2, V3 be the potential difference across capacitor
C1, C2, C3 respectively.
V = V 1 + V 2 + V3
𝑞 𝑞 𝑞
V= + +
𝐶1 𝐶2 𝐶3
1 1 1
V=q(𝐶 +𝐶 +𝐶 )
1 2 3
If C is the effective capacitance of the combination, then,
𝑞
V=𝐶
𝑞 1 1 1
=q(𝐶 +𝐶 +𝐶 )
𝐶 1 2 3
1 1 1 1
= +𝐶 +𝐶
𝐶 𝐶1 2 3
Thus, the reciprocal of the effective capacitance is equal to the sum of the
reciprocals of individual capacitances. The effective capacitance is smaller
than the smallest of the individual capacitances.
(2) Capacitors in parallel
Let Capacitors of capacitances C1, C2, C3 are connected in parallel as shown
in the figure.
Let V be the potential difference applied across the combination. As the
potential across the three conductors is same, the charges on them will be
different.
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q1 = C1V
q2 = C2V
q3 = C3V
If q is the total charge, then
q = q1 + q2 + q3
CV = C1 V+ C2 V+ C3 V
C = C 1 + C2 + C 3
Thus, the effective capacitance is the sum of the individual capacitance. It is
larger than the largest of the individual capacitor.
Energy stored in a capacitor.
The process of charging up a capacitor involves the transferring of electric
charges from one plate to another. The work done in charging the capacitor is
stored as its electric energy.
Let V be the potential and q be the charge on the capacitor at any instant
during the process of charging.
Let C be the capacitance of the capacitor.
𝑞
C= 𝑉
𝑞
V= 𝐶
Let an additional charge dq is given to it.
Work done dW = charge × potential
𝑞
Work done dW = 𝐶 × dq
Hence to charge the capacitor from charge 0 to q the total work done
𝑞𝑞
W = ∫0 𝐶 dq
1 𝑞
W = 𝐶 ∫0 𝑞𝑑𝑞
𝑞2
W = 2𝐶
This work done is stored as energy
𝑞2 𝐶 2𝑉2 𝐶𝑉 2 𝑄𝑉
U = 2𝐶 = = =
2𝐶 2 2

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Since the electrostatic force is conservative, this total work done is stored in
the form of potential energy. When the capacitor discharges this stored up
energy is released.
Energy density of the medium
Consider a parallel plate capacitor of plate are A and separated by a distance d
∈0 𝐴
Capacitor C = 𝑑
𝐶𝑉 2
Energy stored in the capacitor U = 2
∈0 𝐴 𝑉 2
U = 𝑑 2
Where V is the potential difference between the plates of the capacitor.
This energy is stored as potential energy in the medium between the plates.
Volume of the medium = Area × distance
Energy per unit volume of the medium is the energy density.
𝐸𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦
Energy density = 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒
∈0 𝐴 𝑉 2
Energy density = 𝑑 2 𝐴×𝑑
1 𝑉2 1
Energy density = ∈ 0 =2 ∈0 E2
2 𝑑2
Where E is the electric field intensity between the plates.
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